Health warning for Palma Sola, Coquina Beach waters

Some bathers along the south side of the Palma Sola Causeway took to the water last week despite a Manatee County Health Department advisory warning them against swimming. Islander Photo: Rick Catlin

The Manatee County Environmental Health Services department issued a health advisory Aug. 12 for the waters on the south side of the Palma Sola Causeway near the mainland and for Coquina Beach north in Bradenton Beach.

The advisory said marine water bacterial indicators show that contact with the water in either area may pose “an increased risk of infectious disease, particularly for susceptible individuals.”

Health services director Tom Larkin said it is “not uncommon” for bacteria levels to increase after heavy rainfall due to stormwater runoff.

Water-quality criteria is based upon standards set by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Larkin said.

Tests were conducted last week to determine if the high levels remained at the two locations, but the results were unavailable at deadline for The Islander.

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